Child flotation device

ABSTRACT

A child flotation device ( 10 ) that is comprised of a disposable diaper ( 12 ) having a front section ( 14 ), a rear section ( 16 ), a right leg opening ( 18 ) and a left leg opening ( 20 ). An elastic band ( 22 ) extends along the perimeter of the upper edge of the front section ( 14 ) and rear section ( 16 ), and encircles the right and left leg openings ( 18,20 ). An inflatable flotation ring ( 30 ) is either integrally or removably attached by an attachment means ( 42 ) around the diaper&#39;s front and rear sections ( 14,16 ). The removable attachment means ( 42 ) are comprised of at least two integral loops ( 44 ), a single strip of hook and loop fastener ( 46 ), at least two strips of hook and loop fastener ( 46 ) or a plurality of snap closures ( 48 ). When the flotation ring ( 30 ) is attached to the diaper ( 12 ) and inflated, the ring ( 30 ) provides the necessary flotation strength to support and maintain a child from sinking in water.

This application claims priority of provisional application No. 61/002,267 filed Nov. 8, 2007.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The invention generally pertains to flotation devices and more particularly to a flotation ring that is attached to a diaper or other article of child's clothing.

BACKGROUND ART

Lakes, ponds and in particular swimming pools are well used and enjoyed by adults, young children and toddlers. Toddlers typically range in age from six months to twenty-four months and normally wear diapers. To allow a child who is wearing a diaper to use a swimming pool, some form of flotation device must be attached to the child for his/her safety and enjoyment while in the water.

Several flotation devices are disclosed in the prior art which include harnesses, flotation rings and other combinations of harnesses and flotation rings. Although the prior art devices function well, they are relatively complex, uncomfortable to wear and difficult to attach to a child when compared to the instant.

A search of the prior art did not disclose any industry literature and U.S. patents that read on the claims of the instant application. However, the following U.S. patents are considered related:

PATENT NO. INVENTOR ISSUED 1,044,652 Hartwig 19 Nov. 1912 4,052,762 Zawislak 11 Oct. 1977 5,951,348 Liong et al 14 Sep. 1999

The U.S. Pat. No. 1,044,652 patent discloses a buoyant wearing apparel that includes a closable pocket and a buoyant material that is inserted into the pocket. The buoyant material is quilted together with fabric sheets, and water tight material then encloses the fabric sheets and the buoyant material.

The U.S. Pat. No. 4,052,762 patent discloses a life preserver that is used by a child or baby. The lift preserver consists of floatable plastic foam sections fitted together to form an enclosed vest. The bottom of the foam sections are joined to a webbing that is formed with a pair of holes for the feet of the wearer and with a pair of strap fastened to the top front of the vest and the back section. The back section of the vest may be separated or joined together by snap fasteners and the upper sections of the vest are thicker than the lower sections of the vest to provide a greater degree of buoyancy.

The U.S. Pat. No. 5,951,348 patent discloses a life preserver for an infant or young child. The life preserver includes a pair of vertically stacked, peripherally disposed, inflatable tubes. A life vest, which is sized to enclose the torso of the infant or young child, is attached at a plurality of locations to the interior region of one of the vertically stacked, peripheral tubes. Preferably, the life best is attached to the tube via short straps such that the vest can move with respect to the inflated or deflated tubes. A seat for the infant or young child is attached at a plurality of locations to the interior of one of the vertically stacked peripheral tubes. The life preserver also includes a drag bag attached at a plurality of locations to the interior of one of the vertically stacked, peripheral tubes. The drag bag acts as a ballast for the loaded and deployed life preserver.

For background purposes and as indicative of the art to which the invention is related reference may be made to the remaining patents located in the search:

PATENT NO. INVENTOR ISSUED Des. 341,812 Miller 30 Nov. 1993 1,412,683 Gribbie 11 Apr. 1922 1,960,474 Browne 29 May 1934 3,050,752 Birchall 28 Aug. 1962 3,050,753 Baker 28 Aug. 1962 3,616,475 Lewis 2 Nov. 1971 4,017,927 Massey 19 Apr. 1977 4,668,201 Stark 26 May 1987 4,689,844 Alivizatos 1 Sep. 1987 5,628,658 Clifford 13 May 1997 5,928,046 Constan-Tatos 27 Jul. 1999

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

The child flotation device as disclosed herein is comprised of a diaper having an inflatable flotation ring attached thereto. The diaper, which is preferably a disposable diaper, has a front section, a rear section, a right leg opening and a left leg opening. An elastic band extends along the perimeter of the upper edge of the front section and rear section, and encircles the right and left leg openings.

The flotation ring is either integrally or removably attached by an attachment means around the diaper's front section and rear section. The attachment means for integrally attaching the flotation ring to the diaper comprises an adhesive or stitching. The attachment means for removably attaching the flotation ring to the diaper comprises at least two integral loops, a single strip of hook and loop fastener (aka VELCRO™), at least two strips of hook and loop fastener (aka VELCRO™), or a plurality of snap closures.

When the flotation ring is either integrally or removary attached to the diaper and is inflated, the flotation ring provides the necessary flotation strength to support and maintain a child from sinking in water.

In view of the above disclosure, the primary object of the invention is to provide a child flotation device that has the necessary flotation strength to prevent a child who is wearing the device from sinking and drowning in water.

In addition to the primary object of the invention, it is also an object of the invention to provide a child flotation device that:

-   -   can be quickly and easily attached to a diaper,     -   can be made in various sizes such as small, medium and large,     -   can be made in various colors,     -   can utilize a flotation ring that is either inflatable, solid or         hollow,     -   is either disposable or re-usable,     -   can be sold as part of a diaper or as an add-on kit,     -   complies with all necessary safety rules and regulations,     -   is cost effective from both a manufacturer's and consumer's         point of view.

These and other objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the subsequent detailed description of the preferred embodiment and the appended claims taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front elevational view of the preferred embodiment of a child flotation device having a diaper to which is attached a flotation ring.

FIG. 2 is a front elevational view of the flotation ring shown removed from the diaper.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along the lines 3-3 of FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is a front elevational view of the child flotation device with the flotation ring attached by a single strip of hook and loop fastener.

FIG. 5 is a front elevational view of the child flotation device with the flotation ring attached by at least two strips of hook and loop fasteners.

FIG. 6 is a front elevational view of the child flotation device with the flotation ring attached by a plurality of snap closures.

FIG. 7 is a front elevational view of a first alternate design configuration of the child flotation device with the flotation ring integrally attached to the diaper.

FIG. 8 is a top plan view of the flotation ring shown in FIG. 7.

FIG. 9 is a front perspective view showing a third design configuration with the flotation ring attached to a child's lower garment.

FIG. 10 is a side elevational view showing the flotation ring as either a solid structure or a hollow tube.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

The best mode for carrying out the invention is presented in terms of a preferred embodiment, with alternate design configurations, of a child flotation device 10, (hereinafter “CFD 10”).

Swimming and other activities in and around water are a widely popular means of enjoyment, relaxation and exercise. Throughout the world, people of all ages participate in water related activities. This can lead to a problem though, when children or toddlers who do not possess the necessary swimming skills want to participate. It has been proven that even shallow water presents a significant danger, and often children who do not know better will attempt to swim or otherwise be near or in water, which can lead to injury or death of the child.

The CFD 10, as shown in FIGS. 1-10, is designed to quickly and easily provide a child or toddler who wears a diaper with a flotation device that will prevent the child from sinking and drowning in water.

As shown in FIG. 1, the preferred embodiment of the CFD 10 is comprised of a diaper 12 and a resilient flotation ring 30. The diaper 12 has a front section 14, a rear section 16, a right leg opening 18 and a left leg opening 20. An elastic band 22 extends along the perimeter of the upper edge of the front section 14. Elastic bands 22 also encircle the right leg opening 18 and the left leg opening 20, respectively. The diaper 12 is preferably the disposable type, although a non-disposable diaper can also be utilized.

The resilient flotation ring 30, as shown in FIG. 1, extends around the diaper 12 from a right area of the front section 14, across the rear section 16 and terminates at a left area of the front section 14. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the flotation ring 30 is comprised of an inflatable tubular structure having a first end 32, a second end 34 and an inflation/deflation valve 36. The flotation ring 30 is made of an airtight material, such as vinyl, polyethylene, rubber or nylon.

As shown in FIG. 1, the flotation ring 30 is removably attached to the diaper 12 by an attachment means 42. Once the flotation ring 30 is attached to the diaper and inflated, the ring 30 provides the necessary flotation strength to support and maintain a child who is wearing the CFD 10 from sinking in water.

The preferred attachment means 42 for removably attaching the flotation ring 30 to the diaper 12 is comprised of at least two loops 44 that are integrally attached to the diaper 12. As shown in FIG. 1, one loop 44 is located above the right leg opening 18, and one loop 44 is located above the left leg opening 20. Although two loops 44 are sufficient, in order to provide greater support, a third loop 44 is preferably located near the upper edge and at the center of the rear section 16.

In order to attach the flotation ring 30 to the diaper 12, the first end 32 of the ring 30 is inserted through one of the loops 44 on the front section 14. The ring 30 is then pulled along the rear section 16 of the diaper 12. Finally, the first end 32 of the ring 30 is pulled around and inserted through the second loop 44 on the front section 14. If a third loop 44 is utilized, the ring 30 is inserted through the third loop 44 as the ring passes across the rear section 16. The resiliency of the flotation ring 30 allows the ring 30 to easily conform to the circular dimensions of a child wearing the diaper 12.

A second attachment means 42 for removably attaching the flotation ring 30 to the diaper 12 is comprised of a strip of hook and loop fastener 46, aka VELCRO™. The loop fastener is attached onto the diaper, extending from a right area of the front section 14, across the rear section 16, and terminating at a left area of the front section 14. The hook fastener is longitudinally attached onto the surface of the flotation ring 30. As shown in FIG. 4, when the flotation ring 30 with the hook fastener attached is aligned with and pressed onto the corresponding loop fastener on the diaper 12, the flotation ring 30 is securely attached to the diaper 12.

A third attachment means 42 for removably attaching the flotation ring 30 to the diaper 12 is similar to the second attachment means. Instead of utilizing a single long strip of hook and loop fastener 46, the third attachment means utilizes at least two smaller strips of hook and loop fastener 46. As shown in FIG. 5, the at least two hook and loop fasteners 46 are attached to at least two corresponding surface of the flotation ring 30 and diaper 12, respectively.

A fourth attachment means 42 for attaching the flotation ring 30 to the diaper 12 is comprised of a plurality of snap closures 48. Each snap closure 48 is comprised of a male detent and a female detent. The male detents are evenly spaced onto the surface of the flotation ring 30, and the female detents are correspondingly spaced with the male detents onto the diaper 12. As shown in FIG. 6, the snap closures 48 allow the flotation ring 30 to be snap closed onto the diaper 12, thereby securely maintaining the flotation ring 30 attached to the diaper 12.

The flotation ring 39 is preferably inflated with air, although a gel or foam can also be utilized. Additionally, while the flotation ring 30 is typically constructed as a round tubular structure, other geometric shapes could also be utilized.

In a first alternate design configuration of the CFD 10, the flotation ring 30 is integrally attached to the diaper 12. As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the flotation ring 30 is attached directly onto the diaper 12. Additionally, the flotation ring 30 can be permanently attached to at least two loops 44 that are integrally attached to the diaper 12. Other than the fact that the flotation ring 30 is integrally attached to the diaper 12 or to the loops 44, the use and functionality of the second design configuration is the same as the first design of the preferred embodiment.

In a third design configuration, the CFD 10 functions in combination with a child's lower garment 50. For the purpose of this disclosure, a child's lower garment 50 is defined as article of clothing that is worn below the waist and above the feet, such as long pants, short pants, a bathing suit, or a skirt. The third design configuration is also similar to the first design of the preferred embodiment in that a flotation ring 30 is removably attached by an attachment means to the child's lower garment 50, such as short pants as shown in FIG. 9, to provide the necessary flotation strength to support and maintain a child from sinking in water. The attachment means 42 for removably attaching the flotation ring 30 to the lower garment 50 are the same as those previously disclosed: at least two loops 44, a hook and loop fastener 46, at least two hook and loop fasteners 46, or a plurality of snap closure 48.

As previously disclosed, the flotation ring 30 is preferably an inflatable tubular structure. As shown in FIG. 10, the flotation ring 30 can also be a solid structure that is made of rubber, foam or plastic, or a hollow tube that is made of rubber, foam, plastic or nylon. Additionally, the flotation ring 30 and/or the diaper 12 can be made in multiple sizes, such as mall, medium and large, to accommodate children and toddlers of various sizes. The flotation ring 30 and/or diaper 12 can also be made in various colors and can include different types of indicia.

While the invention has been described in detail and pictorially shown in the accompanying drawings it is not to be limited to such details, since many changes and modifications may be made to the invention without departing from the spirit and the scope thereof Hence, it is described to cover any and all modifications and forms which may come within the language and scope of the claims. 

1. A child flotation device that is comprised of a disposable diaper having a front section, a rear section, a right leg opening, a left leg opening, an elastic band that extends along the perimeter of the upper edge of the front section and rear section, an elastic band that encircles the left leg opening, and a flotation ring that is integrally attached to and extends around said diaper's front section and rear section, wherein said flotation ring is comprised of an inflatable tube that when filled with air by means of an inflation/deflation valve, will provide the necessary flotation strength to support and maintain a child wearing said child flotation device from sinking in water.
 2. The child flotation device as specified in claim 1 wherein said flotation ring is made of an airtight material.
 3. The child flotation device as specified in claim 2 wherein the airtight material is selected from the group consisting of vinyl, polyethylene, rubber and nylon.
 4. A child flotation device that is comprised of a diaper having a front section, a rear section, a right leg opening, a left leg opening, an elastic band that extends along the perimeter of the upper edge of the front section and rear section, an elastic band that encircles the right leg opening and an elastic band that encircles the left leg opening, wherein extending around said diaper from a right area of the front section, across the rear section and terminating at a left area of the front section is a resilient flotation ring, wherein said flotation ring is comprised of an inflatable tubular structure having a first end, a second end and an inflation/deflation valve, wherein said flotation ring is removably attached to said diaper by an attachment means, and wherein when said flotation ring is attached to said diaper and is inflated, said flotation ring provides the necessary flotation strength to support and maintain a child who is wearing said child flotation device from sinking in water.
 5. The child flotation device as specified in claim 4 wherein said diaper is comprised of a disposable diaper.
 6. The child flotation device as specified in claim 4 wherein said diaper, is comprised of a non-disposable diaper.
 7. The child flotation device as specified in claim 4 wherein said flotation ring is made of an airtight material.
 8. The child flotation device as specified in claim 7 wherein the airtight material is selected from the group consisting of vinyl, polyethylene, rubber and nylon.
 9. The child flotation device as specified in claim 4 wherein said attachment means for removably attaching said flotation ring to said diaper is comprised of at least two loops that are integrally attached to said diaper wherein one loop is located above the right leg opening and one loop is located above the left leg opening, wherein said first end of said flotation ring is inserted through one of the loops, the flotation ring is then pulled along the rear section of said diaper and the first end of said flotation ring is then pulled around and inserted through the second loop, wherein the resiliency of said flotation ring allows said ring to conform to the circular dimensions of a child wearing said diaper.
 10. The child flotation device as specified in claim 4 wherein said attachment means for removably attaching said flotation ring to said diaper is comprised of a strip of hook and loop fastener, wherein the loop fastener is attached onto said diaper extending from a right area of the front section, across the rear section and terminating at a left area of the front section, and the hook fastener is longitudinally attached onto the surface of said flotation ring, wherein when said flotation ring with the hook fastener attached is aligned with and pressed onto the corresponding loop fastener on said diaper, said flotation ring is securely attached to said diaper.
 11. The child flotation device as specified in claim 10 wherein said attachment means for removably attaching said flotation ring to said diaper is comprised of at least two hook and loop fasteners that are attached to at least two corresponding surfaces of said flotation ring and said diaper.
 12. The child flotation device as specified in claim 4 wherein said attachment means for removably attaching said flotation ring to said diaper is comprised of a plurality of snap closures, wherein each snap closure is comprised of a male detent and a female detent, wherein the male detents are evenly spaced onto the surface of said flotation ring and the female detents are correspondingly spaced with the male detents onto said diaper, wherein the snap closures allow said flotation ring to be snap closed onto said diaper, thereby securely maintaining said flotation ring attached to said diaper.
 13. The child flotation device as specified in claim 4 wherein said flotation ring is inflated with air.
 14. The child flotation device as specified in claim 4 wherein said flotation ring is filled with a gel.
 15. A child flotation device that is designed to be used in combination with a lower garment, wherein said flotation device is comprised of a flotation ring having a first end, a second end and an inflation/deflation valve, wherein said flotation ring is removably attached by an attachment means to a child's lower garment in order to provide the necessary flotation strength to support and maintain a child from sinking in water.
 16. The child flotation device as specified in claim 15 wherein said lower garment is selected from the group consisting of a diaper, a bathing suit, short pants, long pants and a skirt.
 17. The child flotation device as specified in claim 15 wherein the attachment means for removably attaching said flotation ring to said lower garment is selected from the group consisting of at least two loops, a hook and loop fastener, at least two hook and loop fasteners, a plurality of snap closures.
 18. The child flotation device as specified in claim 15 wherein said flotation ring is comprised of an inflatable tube.
 19. The child flotation device as specified in claim 15 wherein said flotation ring further comprising a solid structure that is made of a material selected from the group consisting of rubber, foam, and plastic.
 20. The child flotation device as specified in claim 15 wherein said flotation ring further comprising a hollow tube that is made of a material selected from the group consisting of rubber, foam, plastic and nylon. 